Hiss & Vinegar

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Otis Taylor

OHM HANGS ON

With the future of Club Ohm hanging in the balance, co-owner Dan Reed made a much-needed payment on Aug. 1 ensuring the club's livelihood, for now. Plagued in the past by mismanagement and a menu that's been thin at best, Ohm's food service will be handled by Johnny Ray's Grill. Reed points to Portland's new wealth of DJ-oriented clubs as part of their recent troubles, but he adds that the club may have set its sights too high. "A lot of [our troubles] had to do with us pretending to be in a big city," Reed says. "Clubs like Level have the deep pockets to do that." To keep costs down, the club will turn its focus away from touring acts and toward local talent.

ROOTS SALE

There will definitely be a lot of a-pickin' and a-grinnin' at the Fifth Annual Pickathon Roots Music Festival Aug. 22 and 23. But those who plan ahead might have a toothier grin than their on-the-fly neighbors. That is, of course, if you believe that money-bringing-happiness hogwash. Advance tickets to the festival at Horning's Hideout in North Plains are on sale for the discounted price of $30 until Friday, Aug. 15. After that, the price jumps to $35. To buy tickets, go to www.fastixx.com.

Even if you're too busy porch-sittin' to get to the computer and take advantage of the early-bird discount, don't be discouraged from attending this KBOO benefit. With a rough rabble of 15 acts ranging from bluesman Otis Taylor to local old-timers Foghorn Stringband to tons of bluegrassers and folksters, the weekend looks to be a hoot. Plus, there's a Friday-night square dance and camping is free. Check out www.pickathon.com for more info.

PLAY IT AGAIN, JIMMY

If you missed Jimmy Bennington's CD-release show last month at the Tugboat, you have an opportunity to redeem yourself. The local jazz drummer has got the party bug and just can't shake it. Soon-to-be-Mixers Jazz de Opus will host a second release party Aug. 16 to celebrate the Jimmy Bennington and the Midnight Choir album released by Seattle's OA2 Records (www.oa2records.com). Joining Bennington will be tenor saxophonist Michael York and trombonist Michael Vlatkovich. The same crew will set up shop in the KMHDstudios (89.1 FM) from 4 to 6 pm that same day for an interview and performance. And if you can't catch that, don't blame Jimmy for not trying. Hiss on me at hiss@wweek.com.